Parental Concerns

Should I be worried about my child's anxiety?

Anxiety is the most common emotional problem in children. Worry that is persistent, intense, or getting in the way of daily life may need support. Signs include obsessive worrying, fears that limit activities, panic, rituals, or withdrawing from school or family.

Is this ADHD?

Some children have unusual difficulty concentrating, sitting still, or controlling impulses. It may be mostly inattentive, mostly hyperactive, or both. Care works better when a parent's own attention difficulties are also understood.

Behavior and conduct

All children test limits. A concern is behavior that is severe for the child's age, lasts at least six months, and harms family relationships or conflicts with authority. Behavior is communication, not blame.

Is this more than moodiness?

Ups and downs are normal. Sadness, irritability, or withdrawal that lasts and affects sleep, appetite, energy, school, or relationships may be depression. Treatment can help. Asking for help can be hard when a child feels overwhelmed.

Sexual orientation in adolescence

Questioning sexual feelings can be a normal part of adolescence. Confusion often eases over time, with different outcomes for different people. Therapy can help with the stress and anxiety of that period. It does not try to change who a person is.

Can social skills be learned?

Social skills are the building blocks of interaction. They can be learned at any age, including assertiveness and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Stress, resilience, and the future

Learning to rebound from failure supports a confident outlook. Distress tolerance is a life skill for goals, school, and relationships. If fear of failure stops a child from functioning, therapy may help.